Image data processing device

ABSTRACT

An image data processing device includes: a basic image data acquisition device that acquires basic image data; a simplified image data generation device that generates simplified image data corresponding to the basic image data which has been acquired, a size of the simplified image data being smaller than that of the basic image data; a transmission device that transmits at least the basic image data to an external storage device; and an internal storage device that stores the simplified image data without storing the basic image data.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] The disclosure of the following priority application is hereinincorporated by reference:

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-367428, filed Dec. 1, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an image data processing device.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Image data which has been recorded by an electronic camera isoften transferred to and recorded in a data storage device which has agreater recording capacity than the recording medium which is generallyprovided to the electronic camera. This image data which has beenrecorded in the data storage device is read out by a personal computeror the like, and is displayed upon a display device which is connectedto the personal computer, and/or is printed upon an output device whichis connected to the personal computer. If the electronic camera and thedata storage device are positioned in places which are remote from oneanother, and, if no display device is provided upon the data storagedevice side, in order for the person who is operating the electroniccamera to check the images which correspond to the image data which isrecorded in the data storage device, it is necessary to preserve thesame image data as the image data which have been recorded in the datastorage device in the recording medium of the electronic camera as well.Thus the operator of the electronic camera displays the images accordingto the image data which are recorded on the electronic camera side upona monitor or the like for display which is provided to the electroniccamera, and checks the displayed images.

[0007] This suffers from the problem that it becomes necessary to keep alarge recording medium capacity on the electronic camera side in orderto preserve the image data which have been recorded in the data storagedevice in the recording medium internal to the camera as well, andaccordingly the size of the camera is increased and its cost mounts up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide an imagedata processing device having a capacity which does not store originalimage data which has been transmitted and stores simplified image dataor the like corresponding thereto for management.

[0009] An image data processing device according to the presentinvention comprises: a basic image data acquisition device that acquiresbasic image data; a simplified image data generation device thatgenerates simplified image data corresponding to the basic image datawhich has been acquired, a size of the simplified image data beingsmaller than that of the basic image data; a transmission device thattransmits at least the basic image data to an external storage device;and an internal storage device that stores the simplified image datawithout storing the basic image data.

[0010] In this image data processing device, it is preferred that: anidentifying information generation device that generates identifyinginformation for individually identifying correspondence between thebasic image data and the simplified image data is further provided; thesignal transmission device transmits at least the basic image data andthe identifying information to the external storage device; and theinternal storage device stores the simplified image data and theidentifying information. In this case, it is preferred that: the basicimage data acquisition device, the simplified image data generationdevice, the transmission device, and the internal storage device performprocessing for a plurality of sets of basic image data; a display devicethat displays a plurality of simplified images corresponding to aplurality of sets of simplified image data is provided; a selectiondevice that selects a single simplified image from the plurality ofsimplified images which have been displayed upon the display device isprovided; a command generation device that generates a delete commandfor deletion of simplified image data and basic image data correspondingto a simplified image which is selected by the selection device isprovided; and the signal transmission device transmits identifyinginformation and a delete command corresponding to the simplified imagethat has been selected, to the external storage device. Furthermore, itis preferred that: the command generation device generates a protectcommand for preventing deletion of simplified image data and basic imagedata corresponding to a simplified image that is selected by theselection device; and the signal transmission device transmitsidentifying information and a protect command corresponding to thesimplified image that has been selected, to the external storage device.Moreover, it is preferred that: the command generation device generatesa protection cancel command for canceling prevention of deletion ofsimplified image data and basic image data corresponding to a simplifiedimage that is selected by the selection device; and the signaltransmission device transmits identifying information and a protectioncancel command corresponding to the simplified image that has beenselected, to the external storage device.

[0011] Also, it is preferred that the identifying information includesinherent information that identifies the image data processing deviceindividually.

[0012] Also, in the above image data processing device, it is preferredthat the internal storage device temporarily stores the basic image dataand the simplified image data, and deletes only the basic image dataafter the signal transmission device has transmitted the basic imagedata to the external storage device.

[0013] Also, it is preferred that the signal transmission deviceperforms a communication with the external storage device by radio.

[0014] Also, it is preferred that: a power supply control device thatturns off a supply of power to the image data processing device uponactuation of an actuation member is further provided; and if theactuation member is actuated while the signal transmission device istransmitting the basic image data to the external storage device, thepower supply control device turns off the supply of power to the imagedata processing device after the signal transmission device hascompleted transmitting of the basic image data.

[0015] Also, it is preferred that: a display device that displays animage related to the basic image data or the simplified image data isfurther provided; and the display device performs control so as to lowera brightness of display image, when the signal transmission device istransmitting the basic image data to the external storage device.

[0016] An electronic camera according to the present inventioncomprises: an image capturing device that captures an image of aphotographic subject and generates basic image data based thereupon; asimplified image data generation device that generates simplified imagedata corresponding to the basic image data which has been generated, asize of the simplified data being smaller than that of the basic imagedata; a transmission device that transmits at least the basic image datato an external storage device; and an internal storage device thatstores the simplified image data without storing the basic image data.

[0017] In this electronic camera, it is preferred that a continuousphotography control device that performs control for continuousphotography is further provided; the internal storage device temporarilystores a plurality of sets of basic image data and a plurality of setsof simplified image data, during continuous photography; thetransmission device transmits the plurality of sets of basic image datato the external storage device after the continuous photography has beencompleted; and the internal storage device deletes a set of basic imagedata that has been transmitted by the transmission device. In this case,it is preferred that: a display device that displays images related tothe basic image data or the simplified image data is further provided;the display device displays a plurality of simplified imagescorresponding to the plurality of sets of simplified image data; andwhen the signal transmission device is transmitting a set of basic imagedata, the display device controls display of the plurality of simplifiedimages so as to be able to identify a simplified image that correspondsto the set of basic image data which is being transmitted.

[0018] An image data storing system according to the present inventionthat transmits image data from an image data processing device to anexternal storage device and stores the image data in the externalstorage device, comprises: a basic image data acquisition device that isprovided in the image data processing device and acquires basic imagedata; a simplified image data generation device that is provided in theimage data processing device and generates simplified image datacorresponding to the basic image data which has been acquired, a size ofthe simplified image data being smaller than that of the basic imagedata; a transmission device that is provided in the image dataprocessing device and transmits at least the basic image data to theexternal storage device; an internal storage device that is provided inthe image data processing device and stores the simplified image datawithout storing the basic image data; and an image storage device thatis provided in the external storage device and stores at least the basicimage data which has been transmitted from the image data processingdevice.

[0019] In this image data storing system, it is preferred that: anidentifying information generation device that generates identifyinginformation for individually identifying correspondence between thebasic image data and the simplified image data, is further provided; thetransmission device of the image data processing device transmits atleast the basic image data and the identifying information to theexternal storage device; the internal storage device of the image dataprocessing device stores the simplified image data and the identifyinginformation; and the image storage device of the external storage devicestores at least the basic image data and the identifying informationthat have been transmitted from the image data processing device.

[0020] In the above image data processing devices, electronic camerasand image data storing systems, it is preferred that the transmissiondevice transmits both the basic image data and the simplified image datato the external storage device.

[0021] Or, in the above image data processing devices, electroniccameras and image data storing systems, it is preferred that thetransmission device does not transmit the simplified image data to theexternal storage device.

[0022] An image data processing method according to the presentinvention comprises: acquiring basic image data; generating simplifiedimage data corresponding to the basic image data that has been acquired,a size of the simplified image data being smaller than that of the basicimage data; transmitting at least the basic image data to an externalstorage device; and storing the simplified image data without storingthe basic image data.

[0023] A computer-readable computer program product contains a programfor processing image data, and the program comprises: instructions foracquiring basic image data; instructions for generating simplified imagedata corresponding to the basic image data that has been acquired, asize of the simplified image data being smaller than that of the basicimage data; instructions for transmitting at least the basic image datato an external storage device; and instructions for storing thesimplified image data, without storing the basic image data.

[0024] It is preferred that this computer-readable computer programproduct is a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0025] Or, it is preferred that this computer-readable computer programproduct is a carrier wave in which the program is embodied as a datasignal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a figure showing the overall appearance of an image datafile transfer system which is a first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of anelectronic still camera which is a component of the image data filetransfer system of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of a datastorage device which is another component of the image data filetransfer system of FIG. 1.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the control flow of a photographicprocedure performed by the electronic still camera.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow of atransfer procedure performed by this electronic still camera.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow of aninterrupt procedure.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow ofsignal transmission procedures for a delete command, a protect command,and a protection cancel command.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow of aprocedure which is performed by the data storage device of FIG. 3.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control flow of a photographicprocedure performed by the electronic still camera, according to asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow of atransfer procedure performed by this electronic still camera, accordingto the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a figure showing an arrangement for providing a programvia a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or the like, or via a datasignal such as the internet or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In the following the present invention will be described in termsof several of its preferred embodiments.

EMBODIMENT ONE

[0038]FIG. 1 is a figure showing the overall appearance of an image datafile transfer system which is a first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to this figure, an electronic still camera100 and a data storage device 200 are connected by a communicationmedium (data transmission medium) 300. This communication medium 300,for example, may perform data transfer between the electronic stillcamera 100 and the data storage device 200 by wireless or radiocommunication such as Bluetooth or the like. In this first preferredembodiment of the present invention, the electronic still camera 100 isthe signal transmission side for the image data, and the data storagedevice 200 is the signal reception side for the image data. Thiselectronic still camera 100 records images which have been photographedas image data files in a memory internal to said camera 100, and alsotransmits these image data files to the data storage device 200 via thecommunication medium 300. On the other hand, the data storage device 200receives these image data files which have been transmitted via thecommunication medium 300 from the electronic still camera 100, andrecords and stores these image data files which it has received in somespecific recording device.

[0039] The electronic still camera 100 comprises a power supply switch111, a shutter release button 112, a four way switch 113 which serves asa pointing device, a thumbnail display button 114, an image data deletebutton 115, an image data protect button 116, and a LCD display section107. The power supply switch 111 is an actuation member which performschangeover of the power supply of this electronic still camera 100between ON and OFF. The shutter release button 112 is an actuationmember which starts photographic operation by this electronic stillcamera 100. The four way switch 113 is an actuation member whichperforms pointing actuation in the upwards, downwards, leftwards, andrightwards directions upon a display screen which is being shown uponthe LCD display section 107. The LCD display section 107 can display asingle photographed image according to the image data which have beenphotographed, and alternatively can display an array of thumbnailimages. The thumbnail display button 114 is an actuation member whichperforms changeover of the LCD display section 107 between displaying asingle photographed image, and displaying an array of thumbnail images.The actions of the image data delete button 115 and of the image dataprotect button 116 will be explained hereinafter. It should beunderstood that the various switches and buttons described above of thiselectronic still camera 100 may be referred to generally as actuationmembers 110.

[0040] The data storage device 200 comprises a power supply switch 211,a four way switch 212 which serves as a pointing device, a thumbnaildisplay button 213, an image data delete button 214, an image dataprotect button 215, and an LCD display section 204. The power supplyswitch 211 is an actuation member which performs changeover of the powersupply of this data storage device 200 between ON and OFF. The four wayswitch 212 is an actuation member which performs pointing actuation inthe upwards, downwards, leftwards, and rightwards directions upon adisplay screen which is being shown upon the LCD display section 204.The LCD display section 204 can display a single photographic imageaccording to image data, and alternatively can display an array ofthumbnail images. The thumbnail display button 213 is an actuationmember which performs changeover of the LCD display section 204 betweendisplaying a single photographed image, and displaying an array ofthumbnail images. The actions of the image data delete button 214 and ofthe image data protect button 215 will be explained hereinafter. Itshould be understood that the various switches and buttons describedabove of this data storage device 200 may be referred to generally asactuation members 210.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of theelectronic still camera 100. Referring to this figure, the electronicstill camera 100 comprises a photographic lens 101, a CCD 102, an A/Dconversion circuit 103, an image processor circuit 104, an internalmemory 105, a CPU circuit 106, an LCD display section 107, a data bus108, a signal transmission and reception circuit 109, and the previouslydescribed actuation members 110. The internal memory 105 is a memorycard or the like which is detachably fitted to the electronic stillcamera so as to be removed and replaced at the user's will. Furthermore,it is acceptable for this electronic still camera to be provided with asemiconductor memory or the like which is fitted internally thereto. Theactuation members 110, as described above, include the shutter releasebutton 112 and the like. When any one of the actuation members 110 isactuated, it sends a signal indicative of the actuation of this switchor button to the CPU circuit 106. An optical low-pass filter and a colorfilter (for example, Bayer filter) are disposed on the CCD 102.

[0042] When the power supply switch Ill is actuated so as to be turnedON, the CPU circuit 106 performs a predetermined ON operation of theelectronic still camera 100 to start a control program. The CPU circuit106 controls the driving of the CCD 102 which is an image capturingdevice, and controls the operational timing for accumulating electriccharges upon this CCD 102, and for reading out the accumulatedelectrical charges from this CCD 102. When an actuation signal isreceived by the CPU circuit 106 from the shutter release button 112, theCPU circuit 106 starts photographic action. An image of the subject tobe photographed is focused by the photographic lens 101 upon the CCD102, and the CCD 102 accumulates signal electric charges correspondingto the brightness of the light from the subject to be photographed whichis thus incident. The signal charges which have been thus accumulated inthe CCD 102 are discharged according to a timing signal by the CPUcircuit 106, and the resulting signal is converted from an analogimage-capture signal to a digital signal by the A/D conversion circuit103. This signal which has been converted to digital form is fed to theimage processor circuit 104, and is subjected thereby to predeterminedimage processing such as contour correction, gamma correction, colortemperature adjustment, color space conversion processing, and the like.

[0043] The image data which has been thus subjected to predeterminedimage processing is further processed into image data for display by theimage processor circuit 104, and is then displayed as the result ofphotography upon an external monitor such as the LCD display section 107or the like. The image processor circuit 104 further performs processingupon the image data after it has been thus subjected to thepredetermined image processing in order to generate thumbnail image datafor thumbnail display, and also performs processing after it has beenthus subjected to the predetermined image processing for datacompression at a predetermined compression ratio according to the JPEGformat. A predetermined file name is appended by the CPU circuit 106 tothis image data which has been data compressed, and it is then recordedin the internal memory 105 together with the corresponding thumbnailimage data.

[0044] This image data file which has been recorded in the internalmemory 105 is transmitted to the signal transmission and receptioncircuit 109 via the bus 108. The signal transmission and receptioncircuit 109 transmits an electromagnetic wave which has been modulatedso as to carry this image data signal from an antenna 109A towards thedata storage device 200.

[0045]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of thedata storage device 200. Referring to this figure, the data storagedevice 200 comprises signal transmission and reception circuit 201, amemory 202, an image processor circuit 203, an LCD display section 204,a data bus 205, a CPU circuit 206, and the previously describedactuation members 210. The actuation members 210, as described above,include the four way switch 212 and the like. When any one of theactuation members 210 is actuated, it sends a signal indicative of theactuation of this switch or button to the CPU circuit 106.

[0046] When the power supply switch 211 is actuated so as to be turnedON, the CPU circuit 206 performs a predetermined ON operation of thedata storage device 200 to start a control program. An electromagneticwave signal which has been received via the antenna 201A is demodulatedinto an image data signal by the signal transmission and receptioncircuit 201, and the image data file which is reconstituted from theimage data signal is recorded in the memory 202. The memory 202 is themain recording device for the data storage device 200. The image datafile which is recorded in the memory 202 is supplied to the imageprocessor circuit 203, and is processed therein into image data fordisplay. This image data for display is displayed upon an externalmonitor such as the LCD display section 204 or the like. The imageprocessor circuit 203 also performs decompression processing in order todecompress image data which is in compressed form, according torequirements.

[0047] The flow of a photographic procedure which is performed by theCPU circuit 106 of the electronic still camera 100 will now be explainedwith reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 4. When the power supplyswitch 111 of the electronic still camera 100 is actuated so as to beturned ON, the program whose flow is shown in FIG. 4 is started. Firstin a step S1 the CPU circuit 106 performs through image display with theelectronic still camera 100. In this through image display, beforeshutter release, images are captured by the CCD 102, and images basedupon the image-capture signals which are outputted from the CCD 102 aresuccessively displayed upon the LCD display section 107. Next in a stepS2 the CPU circuit 106 drives the photographic lens 101 by an A/F devicenot shown in the figures so as to focus it upon the subject to bephotographed, and also performs exposure calculation based upon thebrightness of the subject to be photographed which is detected by aphotographic subject brightness detection device also not shown in thefigures. Next in a step S3 the CPU circuit 106 decides whether or notthe shutter release button 112 has been actuated, and if the shutterrelease has been actuated then this decision in this step S3 is YES andthe flow of control proceeds to a step S4, while if on the other handthe shutter release has not been actuated then this decision in thisstep S3 is NO and the flow of control returns to the step S2.

[0048] In the step S4 the CPU circuit 106 starts the photographicprocessing described above, and then the flow of control proceeds to astep S5. In this step S5 the image data which has been obtained as theresult of photography is processed into image data for display by theimage processor circuit 104, and is displayed as a freeze image upon theLCD display section 107. This freeze image display consists of capturingan image after shutter release actuation by the CCD 102, and displayingan image based upon the image-capture signal which has been output fromthe CCD 102 upon the LCD display section 107. Next in a step S6 the CPUcircuit 106 outputs a command to the image processor circuit 104 fordata compression of an original image data according to the JPEG formatat a predetermined compression ratio, and then the flow of controlproceeds to a next step S7.

[0049] In this next step S7 the CPU circuit 106 records in its internalmemory 105 the original image data which has been subjected tocompression together with thumbnail image data as a single image datafile, for example in the EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) fileformat, and then the flow of control proceeds to a next step S8. Theimage data which has been subjected to compression is termed the “basicimage data”, when contrasted with the thumbnail image data. The datasize of the thumbnail image data is small by comparison with that of thebasic image data, and accordingly the memory capacity which is requiredfor storing it is quite small. In the step S8 the CPU circuit 106records an ID in a unique region in the EXIF format file which has beenrecorded. This ID which is recorded may, for example, include the serialnumber of this electronic still camera 100, in order to make it possiblefor this image data file to be distinguished from other image data fileswhich have been taken using other electronic still cameras.

[0050] Next in a step S9 the CPU circuit 106 transfers a copy of theimage data file in EXIF format which has been recorded in the internalmemory 105 to the signal transmission and reception circuit 109, andthen the flow of control proceeds to a next step S10. In this step S10the CPU circuit 106 performs transfer procedures for this image data bythe signal transmission and reception circuit 109, and when this hasbeen completed the procedure of FIG. 4 is terminated.

[0051] It should be understood that there are at least two methods forproducing thumbnail image data. In one method, the original image datais reduced and the reduced image data is generated as the thumbnailimage data. In another method, the original image data and the thumbnailimage data are produced based on the output of CCD in parallel.

[0052]FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow whichis executed by the CPU circuit 106 during the transfer procedure of thestep S10 described above. First in a step S11 the CPU circuit 106 issuesa command to the signal transmission and reception circuit 109 forstarting signal transmission of the image data file, and then the flowof control continues to a next step S12. In this step S12 the CPUcircuit 106 outputs a command to the image processor circuit 104 forlowering the display brightness of the freeze image display which isbeing displayed upon the LCD display section 107, and then the flow ofcontrol continues to a next step S13. In this step S13 the CPU circuit106 decides whether or not a receipt completed signal has been receivedfrom the data storage device 200. This receipt completed signal will beexplained hereinafter. If the signal transmission and reception circuit109 has indeed received such a receipt completed signal, then the CPUcircuit 106 determines that the result of the decision in the step S13is YES, and the flow of control proceeds to the next step S14; while onthe other hand, if the signal transmission and reception circuit 109 hasnot received such a receipt completed signal, then the CPU circuit 106determines that the result of the decision in the step S13 is NO, andthe flow of control returns to this step S13 again, in order to repeatthe decision procedure.

[0053] Next in this step S14 the CPU circuit 106 deletes the basic imagedata from the image data file in EXIF format which is recorded in theinternal memory 105. The result of this is that the data size of theimage data file which is recorded in the internal memory 105 becomessmaller. In a next step S15 the CPU circuit 106 outputs a command to theimage processor circuit 104 for returning the display brightness of thefreeze image display which is being displayed upon the LCD displaysection to its original value, and then the procedure of FIG. 5terminates.

[0054] It should be understood that, although the present invention hasbeen explained above in terms of the transmission of the basic imagedata and the thumbnail image data together as a single image data file,it would alternatively be acceptable to transmit only the basic imagedata, without transmitting the thumbnail image data.

[0055]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow of aninterrupt procedure which is performed by the CPU circuit 106 whenduring the above described procedure of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 an interruptrequest is generated for the CPU circuit 106. Such an interrupt requestis generated when an OFF actuation signal is sent from the power supplyswitch 111, or by an OFF timer which is set for the CPU circuit 106 inadvance, or the like. The CPU circuit 106 changes over to executing theprocedure of FIG. 6 when the interrupt request is generated. First in astep S16 of FIG. 6 the CPU circuit 106 detects whether or not at thetime point that the interrupt was generated the steps S5 through S10 arebeing performed, and, if the steps S5 through S10 are being performed,then the decision in this step S16 is YES, and the system waits untilthe procedure of the step S10 has terminated. On the other hand, if thesteps S5 through S10 are not being performed at the time point that theinterrupt was generated, then the decision in this step S16 is NO, andthe flow of control proceeds to a step S17. In this step S17 the CPUcircuit 106 terminates the control program for the electronic stillcamera 100 and performs a predetermined power supply OFF procedure, andthen this procedure of FIG. 6 is completed.

[0056] The electronic still camera 100 can also be used for transmittingvarious commands to the data storage device 200, such as a deletecommand for deleting an image data file which is stored on the datastorage device 200, a protect command for ensuring that an image datafile which is stored on the data storage device 200 cannot be deleted,and a protection cancel command for canceling the above describedprotection. FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flowof the program which is performed by the CPU circuit 106 when performingsignal transmission procedures for the various commands described above.This program of FIG. 7 is started when the thumbnail display button 114of the electronic still camera 100 is actuated.

[0057] First in a step S41 of FIG. 7 the CPU circuit 106 reads out inorder, from among the image data files in EXIF format which are recordedin the internal memory 105, those ones of the image data files fromwhich the basic image data has been deleted, and displays an array ofimages corresponding to the thumbnail image data recorded in these imagedata files which have been read out upon the LCD display section 107. Bydoing this, a thumbnail array according to the image data files whichhave the same ID as the image data files which are recorded on the datastorage device 200 is displayed upon the LCD display section 107. Thisdisplayed array of thumbnail images is produced by the image processorcircuit 104 generating data for display, this display data then beingdisplayed by the LCD display section 107.

[0058] When providing this display of the array of thumbnail images uponthe LCD display section 107, as an initial setting, as shown in FIG. 1,the frame of the one of the thumbnail images at the upper left of thescreen is accentuated or highlighted. This thumbnail image which isdisplayed as accentuated indicates which image data file will besubjected to the actions of an image file delete command, protectcommand, or protection cancel command. The display of the frame of thethumbnail image as accentuated is controlled by the image processorcircuit 104. The operator can select the thumbnail image which is to bethe subject of the above described commands from among the thumbnailimages which are displayed by actuating the four way switch 113 upwards,downwards, leftwards and rightwards, as appropriate. For example, if hewishes to select the next thumbnail image rightwards, he actuates thefour way switch 113 righwards.

[0059] Next in a step S42 the CPU circuit 106 detects the actuationsignal from the four way switch 113, and then the flow of controlproceeds to a next step S43. In this step S43, the CPU circuit 106selects the thumbnail image which is to be the subject of the abovedescribed commands based upon the actuation signal from the four wayswitch 113. The CPU circuit 106 outputs a command to the image processorcircuit 104 to perform accentuated display of the selected thumbnailimage, and then the flow of control proceeds to a next step S44. In thisstep S44 the CPU circuit 106 decides whether or not the image datadelete button 115 has been actuated, and if in fact the image datadelete button 115 has been actuated, then a YES decision is made in thisstep S44, and the flow of control proceeds to a next step S45. On theother hand, if the image data delete button 115 has not been actuated,then a NO decision is made in this step S44, and the flow of control istransferred to a step S48.

[0060] Next in the step S45 the CPU circuit 106 transmits a signal tothe signal transmission and reception circuit 109 consisting of a deletecommand signal and the ID which is recorded in the image data file whichis to be the subject of this delete command, and then the flow ofcontrol proceeds to a step S46. In this step S46 the CPU circuit 106decides whether or not a delete completed signal has been received fromthe data storage device 200 by the signal transmission and receptioncircuit 109. If indeed a delete completed signal has been received bythe signal transmission and reception circuit 109, then the CPU circuit106 arrives at a YES decision in this step S46, and the flow of controlis transferred to a next step S47; while on the other hand, if no deletecompleted signal has been received by the signal transmission andreception circuit 109, then the CPU circuit 106 arrives at a NO decisionin the step S46, and this decision procedure is repeated. This deletecompleted signal will be explained hereinafter. In the step S47 the CPUcircuit 106, along with deleting from the internal memory 106 the imagedata file which corresponds to the thumbnail image which was beingdisplayed as accentuated, in other words the file which corresponds tothe ID which has been transmitted along with the delete command, alsooutputs a command to the image processor circuit 104 to delete thedisplay of the thumbnail image which was being displayed as accentuated.When the procedure of the step S47 has been completed, the flow ofcontrol proceeds to the next step S48.

[0061] Next in the step S48 the CPU circuit 106 decides whether or notthe image data protect button 116 has been actuated, and if indeed theimage data protect button 116 has been actuated then the result of thisdecision in the step S48 is YES and the flow of control proceeds to thenext step S49. On the other hand, if in fact the image data protectbutton 116 has not been actuated then the result of this decision in thestep S48 is NO and the flow of control is transferred to a step S52. Inthe step S49 the CPU circuit 106 transmits a signal to the signaltransmission and reception circuit 109 consisting of a protect commandsignal and the ID which is recorded in the image data file which is tobe the subject of this protect command, and then the flow of controlproceeds to a step S50. In this step S50 the CPU circuit 106 decideswhether or not a protect completed signal has been received from thedata storage device 200 by the signal transmission and reception circuit109. If indeed a protect completed signal has been received by thesignal transmission and reception circuit 109, then the CPU circuit 106arrives at a YES decision in this step S50, and the flow of control istransferred to a next step S51; while on the other hand, if no protectcompleted signal has been received by the signal transmission andreception circuit 109, then the CPU circuit 106 arrives at a NO decisionin the step S50, and this decision procedure is repeated. This protectcompleted signal will be explained hereinafter. In the step S51 the CPUcircuit 106 outputs a command to the image processor circuit 104 tosuperimpose a protection mark over the thumbnail image which is beingdisplayed as accentuated, and then the flow of control proceeds to thenext step S52.

[0062] Next in the step S52 the CPU circuit 106 decides whether or not,in the state in which a protection mark is being superimposed over thethumbnail image which is being displayed as accentuated, the image dataprotection button 116 is again being actuated; and if indeed the imagedata protection button 116 is being actuated again then the result ofthis decision in the step S52 is YES and the flow of control proceeds toa next step S53, while if in fact the image data protection button 116is not being actuated again, then the result of this decision in thestep S52 is NO, and the flow of control is transferred to a step S56. Inthe step S53 the CPU circuit 106 transmits a signal to the signaltransmission and reception circuit 109 consisting of a protection cancelcommand signal and the ID which is recorded in the image data file whichis to be the subject of this protection cancel command, and then theflow of control proceeds to a step S54. In this step S54 the CPU circuit106 decides whether or not a protection cancel completed signal has beenreceived from the data storage device 200 by the signal transmission andreception circuit 109. If indeed a protection cancel completed signalhas been received by the signal transmission and reception circuit 109,then the CPU circuit 106 arrives at a YES decision in this step S54, andthe flow of control is transferred to a next step S55; while on theother hand, if no protection cancel completed signal has been receivedby the signal transmission and reception circuit 109, then the CPUcircuit 106 arrives at a NO decision in the step S54, and this decisionprocedure is repeated. This protection cancel completed signal will beexplained hereinafter. In the step S55 the CPU circuit 106 outputs acommand to the image processor circuit 104 to stop displaying theprotection mark over the thumbnail image which is being displayed asaccentuated, and then the flow of control proceeds to the next step S56.

[0063] Next in the step S56 the CPU circuit 106 decides whether or notthe thumbnail display button 113 is being actuated again, and if indeedthe thumbnail display button 113 is being actuated again then the resultof this decision in the step S56 is YES and the flow of control proceedsto a next step S57, while on the other hand, if in fact the thumbnaildisplay button 113 is not being actuated again, then the result of thisdecision in the step S56 is NO and the flow of control returns to thestep S42. In the step S57 the CPU circuit 106 issues a command to theimage processor circuit 104 to stop the display of the array ofthumbnail images upon the LCD display section 107 according to thethumbnail image data, and then the procedure of FIG. 7 is terminated.

[0064] Next, the procedure which is executed by the data storage device200 for performing reception and transmission of signals from and to theelectronic still camera 100 will be explained. FIG. 8 is a flow chartfor explanation of the control flow of this procedure which is executedby the CPU circuit 206 of the data storage device 200. The program ofFIG. 8 is started when the power supply switch 211 of the data storagedevice 200 is actuated to ON. First in a step S61 the CPU circuit 206decides whether or not image data is being received by the signaltransmission and reception circuit 201 from the electronic still camera100, and if indeed image data is being received then the result of thisdecision in the step S61 is YES and the flow of control proceeds to anext step S62, while if in fact no image data is being received then theresult of this decision in the step S61 is NO, and the flow of controlis transferred to a step S63.

[0065] Next in the step S62, when the reception of image data by thesignal transmission and reception circuit 201 has been completed, theCPU circuit 206 records the image data which has been received as animage data file in the memory 202. This image data file is a file inEXIF format in which the image data on which a data compression has beenperformed, the thumbnail image data, and the ID are recorded.Furthermore, the CPU circuit 206 outputs a command to the signaltransmission and reception circuit 201 to transmit a receipt completedsignal, and then the flow of control proceeds to a next step S63. Thisreceipt completed signal is transmitted in order to inform theelectronic still camera 100 that the image data has been received. Thisdetection that the receipt of the image data has been completed is, forexample, performed by detecting the so called “end of image” mark of theJPEG format data, and by also determining that the file size which isincluded in the header portion of the JPEG data and the size of the datawhich has been received agree with one another.

[0066] Next in the step S63 the CPU circuit 206 decides whether or not adelete command signal has been received from the electronic still camera100 by the signal transmission and reception circuit 201, and if indeeda delete command signal has been received then the result of thisdecision in the step S63 is YES and the flow of control proceeds to anext step S64, while if in fact no delete command signal has beenreceived then the result of this decision in the step S63 is NO and theflow of control is transferred to a step S65. In the step S64, the CPUcircuit 206 deletes the image data file in the memory 202 whichcorresponds to the ID which has been received together with the deletecommand signal by the signal transmission and reception circuit 201.Furthermore, when the image data file in the memory 202 whichcorresponds to the ID which has been received has been deleted, the CPUcircuit 206 outputs a command to the signal transmission and receptioncircuit 201 for transmission of a delete completed signal, and then theflow of control continues to the next step S65. This delete completedsignal is transmitted in order to inform the electronic still camera 100that the subject image data file has been deleted.

[0067] In this next step S65 the CPU circuit 206 decides whether or nota protect command signal has been received from the electronic stillcamera 100 by the signal transmission and reception circuit 201, and ifindeed a protect command signal has been received then the result ofthis decision in the step S65 is YES and the flow of control proceeds toa next step S66, while if in fact no protect command signal has beenreceived then the result of this decision in the step S65 is NO and theflow of control is transferred to a step S67. In the step S66, the CPUcircuit 206 prevents and prohibits deletion from the memory 202 of theimage data file which corresponds to the ID which has been receivedtogether with the protect command signal by the signal transmission andreception circuit 201. Furthermore, when the deletion of the image datafile in the memory 202 which corresponds to the ID which has beenreceived has thus been prevented, the CPU circuit 206 outputs a commandto the signal transmission and reception circuit 201 for transmission ofa protect completed signal, and then the flow of control continues tothe next step S67. This protect completed signal is transmitted in orderto inform the electronic still camera 100 that deletion of the subjectimage data file has been prevented.

[0068] In this next step S67 the CPU circuit 206 decides whether or nota protection cancel command signal has been received from the electronicstill camera 100 by the signal transmission and reception circuit 201,and if indeed a protection cancel command signal has been received thenthe result of this decision in the step S67 is YES and the flow ofcontrol proceeds to a next step S68, while if in fact no protectioncancel command signal has been received then the result of this decisionin the step S67 is NO and the flow of control of this procedure of FIG.8 terminates. In the step S68, the CPU circuit 206 cancels theprevention of deletion from the memory 202 of the image data file whichcorresponds to the ID which has been received together with the protectcommand signal by the signal transmission and reception circuit 201.Furthermore, when the prevention of deletion of the image data file inthe memory 202 which corresponds to the ID which has been received hasthus been cancelled, the CPU circuit 206 outputs a command to the signaltransmission and reception circuit 201 for transmission of a protectioncancellation completed signal, and then the flow of control of thisprocedure of FIG. 8 terminates. This protection cancel completed signalis transmitted in order to inform the electronic still camera 100 thatprevention of the deletion of the subject image data file has beencancelled.

[0069] The image data file transmission system according to the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention described above providesthe following operational benefits.

[0070] (1) The electronic still camera 100 is made so as, uponphotography, to record thumbnail image data and compressed basic imagedata as an image data file in its internal memory 105, so as to transmita copy of this image data file to the data storage device 200, and so asto delete the basic image data from the image data file in its internalmemory 105 when it receives a receipt completed signal transmitted fromthe data storage device 200. Since the basic image data does not remainin the image data file in the internal memory 105, accordingly it ispossible to economize upon the capacity of the internal memory 105 whichis used, and it is therefore possible to photograph and to record agreater number of frames. Furthermore, since the basic image data isonly deleted after the receipt completed signal transmitted from thedata storage device 200 has been received, therefore it cannot happenthat the basic image data is mistakenly deleted from the electronicstill camera 100 before it has been properly transmitted therefrom tothe data storage device 200. Furthermore, since the thumbnail image datais stored or preserved in the internal memory 105 of the electronicstill camera 100, thereby the photographer is able to display and checkthe images which have been transmitted to the data storage device 200upon the LCD display section 107, even when the data storage device 200is not nearby.

[0071] (2) It is arranged for the same ID to be recorded in the imagedata file which is recorded in the internal memory 105 of the electronicstill camera 100, and in the image data file which is transmitted to thedata storage device 200. And, when transmitting a delete command, aprotect command, or a protection cancel command for an image data filefrom the electronic still camera to the data storage device 200, the IDof the image data file which is to be the subject of the command is alsotransmitted. As a result, it is possible to perform deletion,protection, or protection cancellation for each image file in the datastorage device 200 individually from the electronic still camera 100.

[0072] (3) Since the above described ID is arranged to include theserial number of the electronic still camera 100, it cannot duplicatethe ID with a different electronic still camera.

[0073] (4) The electronic still camera 100 and the data storage device200 respectively comprise the signal transmission and reception circuit109 and the signal transmission and reception circuit 201, and therebyexchange signals with one another by wireless transmission. Accordingly,the photographer can carry around the electronic still camera 100 byitself in order to perform photography, and the ease of operation isenhanced, by comparison with the case in which the electronic stillcamera 100 and the data storage device 200 are connected by a datacable.

[0074] (5) Since, if the power supply switch 111 of the electronic stillcamera 100 is turned OFF partway through the procedure of the step S5through the step S10, at this time the procedure for turning the powersupply OFF is only performed after the transmission of the image datafile which has been photographed to the data storage device 200 has beencompleted (the NO decision in the step S16) , thereby the image datafile which has been photographed is prevented from becoming lost withoutbeing recorded in the data storage device 200.

[0075] (6) Since the brightness of the freeze image display which isdisplayed upon the LCD display section 107 of the electronic stillcamera 100 is reduced while the image data is being transmitted from theelectronic still camera 100 to the data storage device 200 during thesteps S12 through S15, thereby the photographer is enabled to check thatthe image data is being transferred from the fact that the brightness ofthe display image upon the LCD display section 107 has dropped.

EMBODIMENT TWO

[0076] In the first preferred embodiment of the present inventiondescribed above, the explanation was made in terms of single framephotography in which one frame at a time is shot. However, in the secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention, continuous photography orshooting is performed at a predetermined interval while the shutterrelease button 112 of the electronic still camera 100 is actuated.

[0077]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control flow of a photographicprocedure which is executed by a CPU circuit 106 of an electronic stillcamera according to a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. It should be understood that, in this figure, to steps whichperform procedures identical to ones shown in the flow chart of FIG. 4for the case of single frame photography, the same step numbers areappended, so that the following explanation will concentrate on theprocedures which are different from those shown in FIG. 4. In a step S5Aof FIG. 9, the image data which has been obtained by photography isprocessed by the image processor circuit 104 into image data fordisplay, and is displayed as a freeze image upon the LCD display section107. At this time, the image processor circuit 104 displays thethumbnail image in array format, in order that the results of continuousphotography can be looked at once. Every time a photographic frame isadded as a result of continuous photography, the number of thumbnailimages which are displayed is increased.

[0078] In a step S8B, the CPU circuit 106 checks whether or not theshutter release button 112 is now OFF, and if indeed the shutter releasebutton 112 is now OFF then the result of this decision in the step S8Bis YES and the flow of control proceeds to a next step S9, while if infact the shutter release button 112 is not yet OFF then the result ofthis decision in the step S8B is NO, and the flow of control returns tothe step S4.

[0079] In a step S10A, the CPU circuit 106 performs a procedure fortransferring the image data to the signal transmission and receptioncircuit 109, and when the transfer procedure has been completed theprocedure of FIG. 9 terminates. Thus, in this step S10A, the pluralityof image data files which have been obtained by continuous photographyare transmitted one at a time from the electronic still camera 100 tothe data storage device 200.

[0080]FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explanation of the control flow ofthis transfer procedure performed by the CPU circuit 106 in the stepS10A. In this figure, to steps which perform procedures identical toones shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5 for the case of single framephotography, the same step numbers are appended, so that the followingexplanation will concentrate on the procedures which are different fromthose shown in FIG. 5.

[0081] In a step S12A of FIG. 10, the CPU circuit 106 outputs a commandto the image processor circuit 104 for lowering the display brightnessof the thumbnail image which corresponds to the image data file which isbeing transmitted. By doing this, the operator is enabled to know whichimage data file is being transmitted.

[0082] In a step S15A, the CPU circuit 106 outputs a command to theimage processor circuit 104 for ceasing to display the thumbnail imagewhose brightness is currently reduced, and then the flow of controlproceeds to a step S15B. In this step S15B the CPU circuit 106 decideswhether or not all of the image data files which have been obtained bycontinuous photography have been transmitted. If indeed all of theseimage data files have been transmitted then the result of this decisionin the step S15B is YES and the procedure of FIG. 10 terminates, whileif in fact the some image data files remain to be transmitted, then theresult of this decision in the step S15B is NO, and the flow of controlreturns to the step S11 in order to transmit the next image data file.

[0083] According to this second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as described above, it is possible to obtain the samebeneficial operational results in the case of continuous photography, asin the case of single frame photography. In particular, with this secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for theoperator easily to be aware of which file is currently beingtransmitted, and of which files have not yet been transmitted, since anarray of thumbnail images which correspond to the image data files whichhave been obtained as a result of continuous photography is displayedupon the LCD display section 107, and, while transmitting these imagedata files one at a time from the electronic still camera 100 to thedata storage device 200, along with reducing the display brightness ofthat one of these thumbnail images which corresponds to the image datafile which is being transmitted, the thumbnail images which correspondto those image data files for which the transmission has been completedare deleted from the display.

[0084] Although by way of example in the above explanation thedescription was made in terms of the electronic still camera 100 and thedata storage device 200 being connected together by wirelesscommunication according to the Bluetooth protocol, they could also beconnected by IrDA. Furthermore, it would also be possible to connecttogether the electronic still camera 100 and the data storage device 200by a physical cable such as an IEEE-1394 cable, or a USB cable, or anetwork cable or the like.

[0085] Furthermore, although by way of example in the above explanationthe description was made in terms of the electronic still camera 100 andthe data storage device 200 being connected together on a one to onebasis, it would be possible for the electronic still camera 100 to beprovided in plurality, and/or, in the same manner, for the data storagedevice 200 to be provided in plurality.

[0086] Since the ID which is recorded in each image data file isarranged to include the serial number of the electronic still camera100, accordingly it becomes possible to distinguish the image data filefrom an image data file of a different electronic still camera and thereis no danger that an image data file which has been shot by using thedifferent electronic still camera is mistakenly deleted.

[0087] It should be understood that, instead of the ID including theserial number of the electronic still camera 100, it would alternativelybe possible for it to include symbols, characters, or digits identifyingthe electronic still camera 100 or the photographer.

[0088] Although in the above described preferred embodiments thebrightness of the thumbnail image which was displayed upon the LCDdisplay section 107 was reduced while the corresponding image data filewas being transmitted from the electronic still camera 100 to the datastorage device 200, it would be acceptable, instead of reducing itsbrightness, to display this thumbnail image as flashing, or in adifferent color, or to provide an overlaid display of an icon or textinformation superimposed upon the thumbnail image display, in order toshow that the corresponding image data file was being transmitted.

[0089] Although the above explanation was made in terms of the commandsfor deleting, protecting, or cancelling the protection of image datafiles which were recorded in the memory 202 of the data storage device200 being issued by actuation of the electronic still camera 100, itwould also be possible for these commands to be issued by actuation ofthe data storage device 200. In this case, it would be possible for suchcommands to be issued by actuation of the four way switch 212, thethumbnail display button 213, the image data delete button 214, and theimage data protect button 215.

[0090] Moreover, although the above explanation was made in terms of animage data file transfer system which dealt with still image data whichwas obtained as a result of photography with an electronic still camera100, the present invention could equally well be applied to a data filetransfer system which dealt with moving image data.

[0091] Furthermore, although by way of example the explanation was madein terms of the electronic still camera 100, it should not be consideredas being limited to the case of an electronic still camera. Any devicewhich performs image capture using an image capturing element such as aCCD or the like and which accumulates the resulting image datainternally, and which transmits this image data to an external device,could equally well be the subject of the present invention. For example,the present invention could be applied to a scanner, a PDA a portabletelephone (a cellular phone), a portable personal computer such as anotebook personal computer or the like, or to any device whichincorporates an image capturing element.

[0092] Furthermore, the data storage device 200 could be constituted asa personal computer or the like. The personal computer might beconnected via an interface cable such as a USB cable or the like to aBluetooth adapter, in order to perform wireless transmission. A harddisk device or the like of the personal computer would then be used asthe memory 202.

[0093] It should be understood that a program to be executed by apersonal computer can be provided via a recording medium such as aCD-ROM, or via a data signal transmission means such as the internet orthe like. FIG. 11 is a figure showing such an arrangement. A program isloaded into a personal computer 400 from a CD-ROM 404. Furthermore, thepersonal computer 400 is endowed with the function of connection to acommunication line 401. A computer 402 is a server computer which offersthe above described program, and which stores the program upon arecording medium such as a hard disk 403 or the like. The communicationline 401 may be the internet, a communication line such as a personalcomputer communication line or the like, or a dedicated communicationline. The computer 402 reads out the program from its hard disk 403, andtransmits this program to the personal computer 400 via thecommunication line 401. In other words, the program is embodied as adata signal in a carrier wave, and is transmitted via the communicationline 401. In this manner, the program can be provided in the form of acomputer-readable computer program product in various forms, such as arecording medium or a data signal impressed upon a carrier wave or thelike.

[0094] It should be understood that the data storage device 200 may havea printing function. In this case, the command set outputted from theelectronic still camera 100 may include a print command for making thedata storage device 200 print out a designated image. Also, the commandset outputted from the electronic still camera may include a command fortransmitting a copy of the designated basic image data stored in thedata storage device 200 to the electronic camera 100.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image data processing device, comprising: a basic image data acquisition device that acquires basic image data; a simplified image data generation device that generates simplified image data corresponding to said basic image data which has been acquired, a size of said simplified image data being smaller than that of said basic image data; a transmission device that transmits at least said basic image data to an external storage device; and an internal storage device that stores said simplified image data without storing said basic image data.
 2. An image data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: an identifying information generation device that generates identifying information for individually identifying correspondence between said basic image data and said simplified image data, wherein: said signal transmission device transmits at least said basic image data and said identifying information to the external storage device; and said internal storage device stores said simplified image data and said identifying information.
 3. An image data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said internal storage device temporarily stores said basic image data and said simplified image data, and deletes only said basic image data after said signal transmission device has transmitted said basic image data to the external storage device.
 4. An image data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said signal transmission device performs a communication with the external storage device by radio.
 5. An image data processing device according to claim 2, wherein: said basic image data acquisition device, said simplified image data generation device, said transmission device, and said internal storage device perform processing for a plurality of sets of basic image data; a display device that displays a plurality of simplified images corresponding to a plurality of sets of simplified image data is provided; a selection device that selects a single simplified image from said plurality of simplified images which have been displayed upon said display device is provided; a command generation device that generates a delete command for deletion of simplified image data and basic image data corresponding to a simplified image which is selected by said selection device is provided; and said signal transmission device transmits identifying information and a delete command corresponding to the simplified image that has been selected, to the external storage device.
 6. An image data processing device according to claim 5, wherein: said command generation device generates a protect command for preventing deletion of simplified image data and basic image data corresponding to a simplified image that is selected by said selection device; and said signal transmission device transmits identifying information and a protect command corresponding to the simplified image that has been selected, to the external storage device.
 7. An image data processing device according to claim 6, wherein: said command generation device generates a protection cancel command for canceling prevention of deletion of simplified image data and basic image data corresponding to a simplified image that is selected by said selection device; and said signal transmission device transmits identifying information and a protection cancel command corresponding to the simplified image that has been selected, to said external storage device.
 8. An image data processing device according to claim 2, wherein said identifying information includes inherent information that identifies the image data processing device individually.
 9. An image data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply control device that turns off a supply of power to the image data processing device upon actuation of an actuation member, wherein if said actuation member is actuated while said signal transmission device is transmitting said basic image data to the external storage device, said power supply control device turns off said supply of power to the image data processing device after said signal transmission device has completed transmitting of said basic image data.
 10. An image data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display device that displays an image related to said basic image data or said simplified image data, wherein said display device performs control so as to lower a brightness of display image, when said signal transmission device is transmitting said basic image data to the external storage device.
 11. An electronic camera, comprising: an image capturing device that captures an image of a photographic subject and generates basic image data based thereupon; a simplified image data generation device that generates simplified image data corresponding to said basic image data which has been generated, a size of said simplified data being smaller than that of said basic image data; a transmission device that transmits at least said basic image data to an external storage device; and an internal storage device that stores said simplified image data without storing said basic image data.
 12. An electronic camera according to claim 11, further comprising: a continuous photography control device that performs control for continuous photography, wherein: said internal storage device temporarily stores a plurality of sets of basic image data and a plurality of sets of simplified image data, during continuous photography; said transmission device transmits said plurality of sets of basic image data to the external storage device after the continuous photography has been completed; and said internal storage device deletes a set of basic image data that has been transmitted by said transmission device.
 13. An electronic camera according to claim 12, further comprising: a display device that displays images related to said basic image data or said simplified image data, wherein said display device displays a plurality of simplified images corresponding to said plurality of sets of simplified image data; and when said signal transmission device is transmitting a set of basic image data, said display device controls display of said plurality of simplified images so as to be able to identify a simplified image that corresponds to the set of basic image data which is being transmitted.
 14. An image data storing system that transmits image data from an image data processing device to an external storage device and stores the image data in the external storage device, comprising: a basic image data acquisition device that is provided in said image data processing device and acquires basic image data; a simplified image data generation device that is provided in said image data processing device and generates simplified image data corresponding to said basic image data which has been acquired, a size of said simplified image data being smaller than that of said basic image data; a transmission device that is provided in said image data processing device and transmits at least said basic image data to said external storage device; an internal storage device that is provided in said image data processing device and stores said simplified image data without storing said basic image data; and an image storage device that is provided in said external storage device and stores at least said basic image data which has been transmitted from said image data processing device.
 15. An image data storing system according to claim 14, further comprising: an identifying information generation device that generates identifying information for individually identifying correspondence between said basic image data and said simplified image data, wherein: said transmission device of said image data processing device transmits at least said basic image data and said identifying information to said external storage device; said internal storage device of said image data processing device stores said simplified image data and said identifying information; and said image storage device of said external storage device stores at least said basic image data and said identifying information that have been transmitted from said image data processing device.
 16. An image data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said transmission device transmits both said basic image data and said simplified image data to the external storage device.
 17. An image data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said transmission device does not transmit said simplified image data to the external storage device.
 18. An electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein said transmission device transmits both said basic image data and said simplified image data to the external storage device.
 19. An electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein said transmission device does not transmit said simplified image data to the external storage device.
 20. An image data storing system according to claim 14, wherein said transmission device transmits both said basic image data and said simplified image data to the external storage device.
 21. An image data storing system according to claim 14, wherein said transmission device does not transmit said simplified image data to the external storage device. electronic camera
 22. An image data processing method, comprising: acquiring basic image data; generating simplified image data corresponding to said basic image data that has been acquired, a size of said simplified image data being smaller than that of said basic image data; transmitting at least said basic image data to an external storage device; and storing said simplified image data without storing said basic image data.
 23. A computer-readable computer program product containing a program for processing image data, the program comprising: instructions for acquiring basic image data; instructions for generating simplified image data corresponding to said basic image data that has been acquired, a size of said simplified image data being smaller than that of said basic image data; instructions for transmitting at least said basic image data to an external storage device; and instructions for storing said simplified image data, without storing said basic image data.
 24. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim 23, wherein said computer-readable computer program product is a recording medium on which the program is recorded.
 25. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim 23, wherein said computer-readable computer program product is a carrier wave in which the program is embodied as a data signal. 